Whew! What a relief! I couldn't really blame more Spike, but it still would have been icky. He has never really gotten any clues that the encounter ment more to Buffy than just a paid night. Can't wait for what's behind that door. I'm so curious about Lorne's plans!

Author's Response: Oh yes, it's not a spike/other story, not mine - ewwwww. True, he doesn't have any reason to think otherwise about Buffy viewing it as business, but its still early and a lot can happen. I think you'll like whats behind Buffy's door, its going to be most sexy indeed. Thanks for the great review sweety.

Aside from the fact that you made my weekend by posting yet another awesome chapter I feel it necessary to rename you. OUT with I'm Bloody English and IN with Clara Cliff Hanger. Dang girl ... not to mention that I about WMP (that's wet my pants incase you don't know ... just made it up) when I saw chapters 14 & 15 posted ... evil you hit the send button or some such thing two times. SOL

No complaints from me though because I always read each chapter at least two times ... gotta make sure I get all the juicy details.

BRILLIANT way to get Spike away from Harmony's clutches !!!! You have such a wicked sense of humor. And I'm sittin' here wondering what "the whole nine yards" could possibly be for their next encounter. (like he left anything out during the last one???????) (OK maybe roses)SOL

I'll just keep remembering ... I trust Lorne, I trust Lorne, I trust Lorne (AND you do know that translates as I TRUST YOU!!!) ... I absolutely cannot figure out what you have in store and I've tried to piece it together ... William would rather something more romantic, element of surprise, going to take the best of Spike's acting ability, tons of props ... GAD ZOOKS.

And he is already at her door.... AAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!

At least in her dreams she seems to have resigned herself to the fact that she truly cares for him ... just a matter of time.

Rock on sister!! THANKS AGAIN !!!



Author's Response: LMFAO, Clara Cliffhanga, yup thats me. Ah well, wouldn't want to give it away now, not when the shock can sink in along with the nights festivities, right? Oh Lord, don't ask me what happened about posting it twice. I think it was a glitch in the server, cuz I had to edit a part of my a/n and then wham, it posted it twice. Yeah, Harmony doesn't want to catch anything, and besides, he loves spyphillus more than her right? LOL. Glad you trust me too, I would never let my readers down. String them along perhaps, but I'll deliver, thats a promise. That's good you've been trying to figure out whats behind door # Buffy - I do hope you like it. If not, I'll try and make up for it with the sex. Oh yes, Buffy's dreams are getting her to realize some things - but she's still a tough cookie. I'll try and make her crumble over the next 2-4 paragraphs. Thanks for the awesome review my friend, talk to you soon.

Much happier chapter here. Keep them coming.

Author's Response: Thanks sweety. Oh yes, time for more spuffy luvin, lol.

Can I just say more, please? Soon?

Author's Response: You got it, I'll be hard at work. Thanks for the review hon.

Hee, I can't wait to savor the delicious chapter that will surely follow. I'm awfully curious as to what the whole kit-and-cadoodle entalils. I loved Willow in this chapter and I'm curious wondering who Oz's friend is. Anyway, thank you for stopping Spike and Harmony as you did, loved the 'illness' bit. I could perfectly picture Harmony being all tongue-tied and unsure of what to do. As always, wonderful chapter, and I can't wait for more!

Author's Response: THanks hon for all your help. I was so tired and annoyed with my damn muse - he even had me accidentally calling you a ho on IM. When I get hold of him, I'm gonna throttle him. Oh yes, I wanted to give a few glimpses into future possibilities, but that's as far as I can go. Gotta leave that flexability open ya know? I couldn't resist the disease thing, reminded me of when Spike told Harmony, I love syphillus more than you, lol. Thanks for the review sweety. Talk to you soon.

stop reading this. you should be writing.
no, I mean it! gogogo.
damned cliff hangers.

Author's Response: LMFAO, I know, I know, but I do have an obligation to answer reviews. I like the personal touch it adds, and I get to know everyone out there while they get to know me. Ok, I'm off to answer more, then I'll get cracking. Thanks for the review sweety.

*breathes a sigh of relief* I'm so glad Lorne got to Spike in time. Loved the excuse Spike came up with to get out the Harmony situation. I enjoyed Buffy's conversation with dream Spike. Lorne is being so cyptic, I can't wait to find out what scenero he's cooked up this time. Fantastic chapter!

Author's Response: Oh yes, trust me, if there was Spike/Other, I would have put that in the warnings. Nope, no Spike/other here, not in my story. LOL, I kinda liked the thought of scaring Harmony off with a disease... remember when he said I love syphiluus more than you in an epi of btvs - kinda where I got the idea. Yup, Lorne is still being cryptic, but that's b/c he doesn't want to say anything to persuade either party - from what would happen on it own. Buffy is finally discovering some truths of her own in her dreams, part of the road that will lead her to William. Glad you like it hon, it's about to get steamy next posting. Thanks so much for the lovely review.

Well I didn't want to read another story now *yawn* but I couldn't resist :-D
Good choice of words from Harmony.. made Spike remember and stop in time. But because Spike was so eager to 'get over Buffy and boink Harmony' he has a problem now. I don't think Harm will be pleased. OH! Very clever.. Harmony will believe it and not be mad when he leaves now. ~ Very interesting dreams Buffy has; she noticed Spike acting different, more personal. And the main factor for her is that he sells himself (that speaks against a relationship). ~ Now I'm curious what Lorne has planned that should turn out so good for Buffy and Spike to find together ... mmmh I'll have to wait :). ~ And I wonder too who the blind date would be, Oz friend.. ~ Maybe the 'one' at the door has something to do with Lorne's plan? Looking forward to find out :-D

Author's Response: LOL, you're so funny, I always love your reviews. Oh yes, Buffy's dreams are getting more personal - making her see things she may not have been ready to deal with yet. And of course now Spike shows up at her door when she least expects it - that was part of Lorne's plan as well - sort of a double element of surprise. Thanks for the review hon, talk to you soon.

OMG! is it reunion time?! please say it is! pleeeaase, pretty please (oh, the chapter? loved it!)

Author's Response: LOL, well, we're getting close. Glad you liked the chapter and thanks for the great review.

For a moment there, I thought Spike was going to be so drunk that he'd accidently drive to Buffy's house instead of Harmony's.

Author's Response: LOL, that would have been pretty funny. Thanks for the review hon.

I have faith. You've had me from the very beginning. I like the turn you're taking. It makes no sense, logically, for either of them to expect the other saw things as anything other than an arrangement. If you had to have a thorn in this rose, I'm glad it was Harmony. She was never much of a threat anyway. lol. I would, still, like to see Buffy draw out some protective, possessive actions from Spike though. I'm all about that side of him. You're doing really great with this story. Congrats on your nomination! : ) Please update soon! One more thing, I was surprised Buffy called to see Spike again so soon. Not only because of the huge expense, but because of her pride. I would have thought if she really wanted to face her fears, she would have asked Lorne for somebody else. Jump back in the saddle, as it were. The fact that she wanted Spike specifically speaks volumes. She wants to face her fears all right, but it's her fear of loving him; she just doesn't know it yet. As far as I can tell, Buffy is the one taking all the chances here. She had to overcome her fear and call Lorne in the first place. She had to bear it when Spike first arrived and not give in to her fear and embarrassment and throw him out and forget the whole thing. Spike needs to put something out there now. He needs to show Buffy she didn't do all that in vain. Of course, my way would be for him to get madly, insanely jealous over something. But, that's just me, sigh. . .
Anyway, thank you for a wonderful story. : )

Author's Response: Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy the turn I'm taking, and your right, its unrealistic/too early for them to think the other saw it as anything other than a business arrangement. Harmony was the perfect choice I felt - cuz she's really not that threatening. You just may get your wish - when you mentioned wanting to see protective Spike, but it won't be for a couple chapters yet... I think you'll like what I have planned. Ah yes, it does seem rather soon that Buffy is calling him, I agree. But remember that, for the purpose of the story, she is very much a control freak. So the fact that Spike has been on her mind night and day when SHE thinks she should be having a normal, regular day (as if their night never happened/supposed to be a one time deal for her), that's what’s really cooking her goose, and when she called Lorne, she was going on night #4 in a row of all the dreams – which is a bit much for a control freak. Also remember that she doesn't want or need a man in her life (she thinks this) - so Spike is throwing a double whammy at her in that sense. She's not mad at him at all, she's angry with herself for not being able to control her thoughts and dreams about him. Oh and the expense thing... for the purpose of the story, the art gallery is successful enough that she really doesn't worry about that - I realize the money is no drop in the bucket, but she makes enough that oh, let's say she could see him 4-5 times a month and not break the bank. She asked for Spike again rather than someone else because it’s him she’s haunted by, not just any random escort, he’s the one who made her have several orgasms – a feat/task within itself for any man to accomplish where she’s concerned. And she’s not necessarily doing it just for the sex (even though that’s a major perk) she wants to prove to herself that it’s just business in his eyes as well as hers. And you’re absolutely right, it’s her fear of loving Spike, but it’s far too early for her to realize that for herself. Yup, she’s taking all the chances right now, but it’s not like Spike can stalk her either (although I wouldn’t mind if he stalked me). As far as Spike putting something out there... let’s just say he was jealous enough just thinking about her w/ anyone else (to include Riley), so when he actually does see her with someone else, and given Spike’s persona that likes to come through, it’s a safe bet you’ll be seeing quite a bit of possessiveness and jealous tendencies shine through – that’s a wee bit of a spoiler. I love me a jealous Spike who acts on it whenever I read, so of course I have my plans that I hope you’ll enjoy when that time comes. The plot coupled with the fact it’s my first ever fic means I had to weave some ‘facts’ into the story to support the plot, ie. money issue, in order to make it plausible, cuz in reality – this situation would probably never happen. It’s my first fic, so I’m learning as I go... I do hope to get better after this one and maybe a couple more under my belt before writing something of a more serious nature – which is of course my goal... to write a dark, horror style fic. Thank you so much for the wonderful review hon, you’re a thinker and I like that, cuz it makes me think how to better myself through the story. *hugs*.

I'm still loving this story sooo much! GAH! Spike and Harmony! Though I do get why he is doing what he is doing. Buffy....well as we all know... there is no resisting Spike! I mean really, who would want to?!!!! Can't wait for more! Gotta see what happens when Lorne calls Spike!

Author's Response: Is there an echo in here? LOL, you must really want me to get crackin on chappy 14, which I will of course, *grins*